Adoption and Step-Parent Adoption
Adoption and Step-Parent Adoption Attorneys Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio
Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.
Building a family through adoption is a powerful journey. Whether you are placing a child or preparing to welcome one,
Hoover Kacyon, LLC helps you move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Our goal is to ensure that every adoption we support is legally sound, ethically guided, and deeply respectful of everyone involved.
We work with adoptive families, birth parents, and stepparents throughout Summit, Portage, Medina, Stark, and surrounding counties. From early planning through finalization, our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support across private, agency, and step-parent adoptions, as well as adult and same-sex placements.
Representing Adoptive Families
Adoption can begin with a plan, a match, or a moment. Wherever you are in the process, we are here to help. We assist adoptive families with preparing and filing Petitions for Adoption, reviewing required documents, coordinating with agencies, and representing them in court to finalize the adoption.
Whether your case is simple or contested, in-state or interstate, we provide legal clarity and dependable advocacy so you can focus on what matters most: your growing family.
Representing Birth Parents
We offer compassionate legal representation for birth mothers and fathers across Ohio. Whether you are working with an agency or arranging a private placement, we help you understand your rights, evaluate adoptive families, and make informed decisions.
We ensure that every legal document, from Surrenders to Consents, is fully explained and reviewed by independent counsel. Your path is your own, and we are here to protect it with dignity and care.
Finalizing and Litigating Adoptions
When the unexpected occurs, we are ready. Our firm handles contested adoptions, emergency filings, appeals, and cross-state matters. We work closely with adoption professionals to resolve legal complications and ensure the process stays focused on what is best for the child.
Whether you need full legal support from the beginning or guidance at a critical stage, we are prepared to step in.
Understanding the Adoption Process
A Birth Mother’s Role and Rights
A birth mother can begin planning for adoption at any point in pregnancy. Her legal role includes deciding whether to proceed with a voluntary placement and reviewing her rights with independent counsel. Permanent surrender cannot occur until 72 hours after birth, and nothing is final until signed and filed.
A Birth Father’s Legal Standing
To preserve parental rights, a father must take legal action to establish paternity. This may include registering with the Putative Father Registry or filing a Paternity Action. We help fathers understand and assert their rights at every stage.
Support for Adoptive Families
We assist with everything from filing Petitions and reviewing Home Studies to managing ICPC compliance for interstate placements. We also provide legal strategies for high-risk or contested situations to help secure your adoption plan.
Step-Parent Adoptions
We determine whether consent from a biological parent is required and help file Waivers, Motions to Dispense with Consent, or custody alternatives. We guide stepparents through adoption or long-term planning, always aiming to legally affirm their role in a child’s life.
Adult Adoptions
Adult adoptions formalize lifelong relationships and secure legal rights. We prepare all necessary petitions and appear in court to ensure proper recognition of emotional and family bonds.
Same-Sex Adoptions
We help LGBTQ+ families pursue joint adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and confirm legal parentage for children born before marriage equality. Our attorneys stay current with changing laws to ensure full protection.
Surrogacy, Assisted Reproduction, and Embryo Adoption
We draft and review Surrogacy Agreements and Reproductive Contracts to protect all parties. From donor agreements to parentage orders, we ensure every legal detail is covered before and after birth.
Adoption
Experienced Lawyers in Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal, Traffic, Bankruptcy, Business, Personal Injury, Civil and Education Law.
What We Can Do for You
Our goal is to complete your adoption with legal clarity and lasting peace of mind. Whether you’re placing a child or finalizing a placement, we guide each step with care, protect your rights, and help ensure your family is fully recognized under Ohio law.
File Adoption Petitions and Supportive Legal Documents
We prepare and file your Petition for Adoption with all required affidavits, consents, and court forms. Every document is tailored to your case and submitted properly to keep your adoption moving forward under Ohio’s legal standards.
Support Birth Parents With Clarity and Care
We help birth parents review all required forms, including consents and permanent surrenders. We ensure no one signs under pressure or confusion and strongly recommend independent counsel to protect each parent’s rights throughout the process.
Guide High-Risk and Contested Adoptions With Legal Precision
We represent clients in high-risk and contested cases by filing motions, presenting objections, and responding to last-minute complications. We act quickly to protect your rights and work closely with agencies when needed to maintain legal standing.
Finalize Your Adoption in Court With Confidence
We attend your adoption hearing, answer judicial questions, and help you receive the final decree. Whether your case is simple or contested, we stay with you through the last step to ensure full legal recognition of your new family relationship.
Advise on All Forms of Adoption With Confidence
Whether same-sex, step-parent, adult, or embryo adoption, we tailor your case to your family’s needs. We ensure your adoption is fully valid under Ohio law and walk you through every form, requirement, and hearing with accuracy and support.
When to Call an Adoption Attorney
The best time to contact an adoption attorney is before the process begins. Whether you are adopting independently, through an agency, or as a stepparent or relative, early legal support helps you avoid delays and protects everyone involved. From planning and paperwork to placement and court, we make sure each step is handled properly.
Our attorneys are here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and guide your family forward with confidence and care.
Tell Us About You And Your Situation
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should we hire an adoption attorney?
As early as possible. Legal guidance at the beginning can help you choose the right agency, assess risks, and avoid delays during the process.
Do birth parents need their own attorney?
Yes. A birth parent should always have independent counsel before signing legal documents. We provide experienced, respectful representation for both mothers and fathers.
Can a stepparent adopt without the other parent’s consent?
Sometimes. If the biological parent has failed to maintain contact or pay support, the court may allow the adoption without consent. We help you evaluate your case.
What if our adoption becomes contested?
We handle contested adoptions at both the trial and appellate levels. Our team acts quickly to protect your rights and keep the process moving forward.
Are same-sex couples allowed to adopt in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio recognizes same-sex couples as adoptive parents. We assist with joint and step-parent adoptions and make sure your family is protected under the law.
